ALL over the world Christians will this month celebrate Christmas in a tradition which is centuries old. This day marks the arrival on earth of a person who would change the world forever through a simple message of love for one another. That was the greatest commandment Jesus Christ gave his disciples: Love one another as I have loved you.

This was a break from Jewish teachings and one of the many times Christ would challenge the status quo. Moses had taught the Jews several centuries earlier that the first commandment was that they were to have but one God.

The Jewish people were also taught to love their God with all the heart, mind and soul. Increasingly, however, they concentrated on loving God but not caring for the people around them. Christ’s commandment made people see their Creator in their neighbours. It was a new, radical concept at the time.

But it is a message which holds value for us some 2000 years after the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. There is no sense in attempting to serve or love God if we cannot first be of service to our neighbours. It is through loving and serving each other that we show our Creator a real appreciation for His love.